Schlotzsky’s Breaks Guinness World Record

Schlotzsky’s joined the ranks of those who have dared to dream big Thursday, becoming an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title holder for the Most contributions to a painting by numbers. The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt was the culmination of a three-day celebration in the brand’s hometown of Austin, Texas to mark the 46th birthday and the first official “Schlotzsky’s Day,” proclaimed by the City of Austin on October 6.

The paint-by-numbers mural was designed by street artist and the “Mayor of Austin Graffiti Art,” Sloke One. Situated on a background featuring the Austin skyline, a larger-than-life replica of the famous sandwich Schlotzsky’s started serving in 1971—The Original—was sketched onto the brick wall on the side of the building at the Schlotzsky’s South Lamar Boulevard location.

“Featuring 2,643 individual sections painted by Austinites and visitors over the course of three days, the mural surpassed the 2,604 goal and is a true “Austin Original,” and a colorful, permanent legacy in the city. The weekend-long GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt and birthday celebration also featured live music and surprise rides on the Schlotzsky’s double decker bus with celebrity appearances. By the end of the celebration, 3,000 free sandwiches had been enjoyed, and over 22 gallons of paint had been carefully brushed onto the wall.

Now with more than 350 locations worldwide, the inspiration for the mural and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt is a nod to Schlotzsky’s humble beginnings in the city of Austin. Founded in 1971, the first Schlotzsky’s location was once home to a single sandwich, The Original. As the only item on the menu, the sandwich featuring premium meats, cheeses, and marinated black olives served on a homemade sourdough bun quickly created a passionate following that is stronger than ever 46 years later.

“Our Austin heritage is what the Schlotzsky’s brand was built on, and we couldn’t be more proud to work alongside the local community to bring home a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title,” says Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s. “Schlotzsky’s will share a permanent piece of history with the city and Austinites who have been loyal fans for over 46 years. We’re committed to continuing to bring a taste of Austin to our fans all over the country.”

On hand to officiate the attempt was GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator Michael Empric, who presented a certificate to Schlotzsky’s once participant numbers were confirmed. The previous record was held by Victoria Educational Organisation in Hong Kong, which had 2,603 contributions to a 42-foot-long mural completed on December 22, 2015.

“It was wonderful to see so many members of the Austin community participating in Schlotzsky’s attempt for the Guinness World Records title of Most contributions to a painting by numbers,” says Michael Empric. “Thanks to their efforts, Schlotzsky’s was able to make history by achieving the title with an outstanding number of participants. We congratulate and welcome Schlotzsky's into the Guinness World Records family.”

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